Bokelberg grew up in his father's Photography Studio, in Hamburg, Germany. Moved to New York City in 1985, and graduated New York University UG Film & TV  in 1988.

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His graduation coincided with the premiere of 'YO! MTV RAPS,' and  launched his career as  cinematographer on countless music videos; creating a distinctive style for Artist such as MC LYTE, REDMAN, and LL COOL J.

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His first feature film CHARMS INCIDENTS was photographed 1995 in Vienna, Austria, and directed by Michael Kreihsl. It was awarded the Caligari  Prize at the Berlin Film Festival. Followed by many independent Films; leading up to Sundance Winner 'THE STATION AGENT' in 2003. His collaboration with Tom McCarthy also created THE VISITOR and WIN WIN. 

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The Birth of daughter Ava in 2006, prompted Oliver to pursue his career in television. He moved his family to Los Angeles and created the look for many successful network pilots, i.e. DIRTY SEXY MONEY,  RAINES, MY OWN WORST ENEMY, SCANDAL, BIG SKY, and most recently ALASKA DAILY, and WILL TRENT.

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SCANDAL was home for 7 years  and  evoked Oliver's career as Director. Bokelberg directed ten episodes of Scandal; as well as episodes of Station 19, Grey's Anatomy, Big Sky, Alaska Daily, and Will Trent

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He is proud to have partnered with Shonda Rhimes and Debbie Allen on the documentary 'DANCE DREAMS - HOT CHOCOLATE NUTCRACKER', which Oliver conceived, directed, photographed and produced for Netflix.  

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In 2022, Bokelberg took on the role of Co-Executive Producer Director for the Tom McCarthy created ALASKA DAILY,  and is currently in pre-production as a cinematographer for director Justin Lin.

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"I’m very fortunate to be able to work across disciplines; each informing and expanding the other. It’s making me a better filmmaker, and more importantly a stronger collaborator."